Colposcopy

(Examination of the Cervix)

A colposcopy is a procedure to find out whether there are abnormal cells on or in a woman’s cervix or vagina. The cervix is the part of the womb that sits in the vagina. Abnormalities tend to occur at the opening of the cervix to the birth canal, where it enters the womb. A colposcopy will allow your consultant to find and identify and diagnose these abnormalities.

You may need a colposcopy after having a routine cervical screening test but other reasons for having a colposcopy may include:

• You have tested positive for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the main cause of the abnormal cell changes and might lead to cancer • You’ve had several screening tests with no clear result • The nurse or doctor who carried out your screening test thought your cervix didn’t look as healthy as it should

A colposcopy can also be used to investigate things such as unexplained vaginal bleeding after sex or an inflamed cervix.

Should a colposcopy show that there are abnormal cells in your cervix you may need additional treatment such as a large loop excision of the transformation zone (Lletz). It is often possible that this can be carried out at the same time as your colposcopy

Arranging your Treatment

Before going ahead with this treatment, you will need to have an initial consultation with a specialist Consultant to go through your medical history and diagnosis. At this appointment, your consultant will confirm the exact treatment you require. If you would like to have an initial consultation, you can call us and we can help you find the consultant best for you.

Alternatively, if you have already been diagnosed as needing a particular operation or treatment, our sales advisors can give you a guide price for this to be carried out at KIMS Hospital and book an appointment for you to meet a consultant. Call our sales advisors on 01622 237727 or email enquiries@kims.org.uk

Paying for your Treatment

You can be treated at KIMS by using your private medical insurance or by paying for yourself.

If you have private medical insurance, you will need to contact your insurer to ensure you are covered for the initial consultation prior to making an appointment and obtain an authorisation number. The insurance company will then need to be advised if you require further treatment. The insurance company usually settles bills on your behalf. If you are paying for your own treatment, you will need to pay for an initial consultation.

This will be confirmed at the time of booking but is typically £150-£250. You will also need to pay for any associated diagnostic tests your consultant recommends (for example x-rays and blood tests).

Following this consultation, if you don’t need any further treatment or if you decide paying for yourself isn’t the right option, there is no commitment to proceed further. If you require the operation or procedure to be carried out, you will receive a quote for your treatment. In most case this will be the fixed price package quoted on this website. If this quote is different for any reason, we will provide an explanation (see what’s included below). This quote is also subject to pre-assessment checks prior to your admission to hospital.

Payment is required 7 days prior to admission.

Prices

The table below shows the approximate price for this treatment, which may vary depending on your individual case (see what’s included below).

Colposcopy

Patient pathway

Initial consultation

Diagnostic investigations

Main treatment

Post-discharge care

Guide Price

Hospital fees

n/a

n/a

£620

Included

£620

Guide Price

Nil

Nil

£620

Nil

£620

Colposcopy with Lletz

Patient pathway

Initial consultation

Diagnostic investigations

Main treatment

Post-discharge care

Guide Price

Hospital fees

n/a

n/a

£810

Included

£810

Guide Price

Nil

Nil

£810

Nil

£810

What’s Included

The fixed price package includes all the costs associated with this treatment at KIMS Hospital.

You will be given a quote prior to admission to confirm this cost. The amount you are quoted may differ from the published price for a number of reasons:

The Consultant you choose

Your medical history and whether you have any associated medical conditions which may impact this treatment

The type of anaesthetic your Consultant advises is best for you

The type of implant or drug you choose or your Consultant advises is best for you

In some cases, if you have certain pre-existing medical conditions, it may not be possible to provide you with a fixed price for your Main Treatment. If this is the case, the hospital will discuss the available options with you. Your quote is also subject to pre-assessment checks prior to your admission to hospital.

A colposcopy is carried out in an outpatient appointment by your consultant. You’ll be asked to lie down in a special type of chair with padded supports to rest your legs on. A device called a speculum will be inserted into your vagina and gently opened to allow the consultant to examine your cervix. A special microscope, known as a colposcope with a strong light will be used to look at your cervix. The colposcope doesn’t enter the vagina, but remains outside your body. If the colposcope has a camera attached to it, you may be able to see images of your cervix on a small screen. Some solutions will be applied to the cervix to highlight the abnormal areas. If any abnormal areas are identified, a small sample of tissue (a biopsy) may be removed for closer examination. A biopsy is similar to a small pinch or scratch in terms of sensation, and shouldn’t be too painful. The purpose of a biopsy is to confirm whether your screening test has been correct in identifying a problem.

The colposcopy procedure usually takes approximately five minutes. A colposcopy can be slightly uncomfortable for some women. If you find it painful, you should tell the consultant, who will try to deal with your discomfort or stop the procedure entirely. Your consultant will contact you once the results are available.

If you require a Lletz procedure which is one of the most common treatments for abnormal cervical cells this can be carried out at the same time as your colposcopy and involves removing the area of the cervix where abnormal cells are.

This procedure is completed using a thin wire loop that is heated with an electric current. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and you will be given a local anaesthetic. You may experience some mild pain, similar to period pain. As there will be some bleeding following this procedure you will be provided with a sanitary towel. You may have light bleeding for several weeks after the procedure which will be explained by the hospital team at the time of your procedure.

To find out more

If you would like to come to KIMS contact our sales advisors on 01622 237727 or email enuqiries@kims.org.uk